MEDIA RELEASE: SCHOOLS INDUSTRIAL ACTION TO CEASE

MEDIA RELEASE: SCHOOLS INDUSTRIAL ACTION TO CEASE

Following three weeks of work bans, two school closures and a picket line, Education Facility Attendants will be calling a halt to their industrial action effective midnight tonight.

Following three weeks of work bans, two school closures and a picket line, Education Facility Attendants will be calling a halt to their industrial action effective midnight tonight.

Jannette Armstrong, Tasmanian Branch Secretary of United Voice says, “For months, EFAs have been urging the Premier and the Education Minister to talk to members and negotiate in good faith.

“It took three weeks of work bans, two school closures, and one picket line, but we finally received a call from Minister Rockliff yesterday.

“EFA’s asks and industrial actions have always been reasonable, and keeping with their approach of fairness and reason, EFAs will now cease industrial action in the hope it will allow further constructive discussions to take place.”

Education Facility Attendants remain committed to securing a fair and decent pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living. If an in-principle agreement can’t be made quickly, members are prepared to reinstate the work bans next school term.

Today United Voice has engaged solicitors to file a dispute in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission. The dispute alleges that the Department of Education has breached the Job Security Agreement by bringing in contract cleaners.

Jannette Armstrong says, “At the same time, United Voice members want to make it very clear: We will not cop the government undermining secure and direct employment in state schools by bringing in contract cleaners.

“This has been one of the most brazen breaches of a registered agreement in living memory of the Tasmanian State Service, and we will pursue it to the full extent of the law.”